Biomechanical Motion Analysis Research Articles

Biomechanical Comparison of Nitinol Compression Staples vs Fully Threaded Lag Screws for Talonavicular Arthrodesis Following 24-Hour Incubation at Body Temperature

Category: Hindfoot; Other Introduction/Purpose: Arthrodesis of the talonavicular joint is indicated for injury- and arthritis-related pain. The standard treatment for talonavicular arthrodesis is lag screw fixation. Despite favorable results using lag screw fixation, it is associated with significant effects on foot biomechanical motion, and suboptimal complication rates. Nitinol staples have been used for talonavicular arthrodesis for their potential to address shortcomings of lag screw fixation. This study tested the null hypothesis that nitinol staples would not be significantly different from fully threaded lag screws based on biomechanical properties. Methods: Cadaveric feet (n=10) were acquired from 5 donors. Either nitinol staples or two cannulated lag screws were used to perform surgical arthrodesis of the talonavicular joint. Samples were incubated for 24-hours at 38°C, allowing for activation of the thermal nitinol compression properties. 38°C was chosen to mimic in vivo conditions. Biomechanical motion analysis was conducted. Specimens were loaded to 445N and held for 1 minute. A continuous compressive load of 445N was applied while cycling between plantarflexion to dorsiflexion for 10 cycles and then inversion to eversion for 10 cycles. Data were recorded along the X, Y, Z planes. Rotation data were recorded for roll, pitch, and yaw. Significant (p< 0.05) differences were determined. Results: No statistically significant differences in functional biomechanical testing properties were noted between nitinol compression staple fixation and lag screw fixation for talonavicular arthrodesis following 24 hours of incubation. Static compression, plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion testing resulted in nonsignificant translation in the X, Y, and Z planes, as well as nonsignificant rotation in roll, pitch, and yaw directions. Conclusion: Based on clinically relevant biomechanical properties measured during robotic testing, nitinol staples can be considered an appropriate option for talonavicular arthrodesis. Further work to assess long term outcomes of nitinol compression staples for talonavicular arthrodesis is currently ongoing. Biomechanical Data Mean translation and rotation for static and dynamic cyclical compression testing in plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion of the foot to assess talo- navicular arthrodesis fixation.

Motion analysis systems in research and for practicing orthopedists

Complex biomechanical motion analysis can provide relevant information for avariety of orthopedic problems. When purchasing motion analysis systems, in addition to the classical measurement quality criteria (validity, reliability, objectivity), spatial and temporal conditions, as well as the requirements for the qualification of the measuring personnel should be considered. In complex movement analysis, systems are used to determine kinematics, kinetics and muscle activity (electromyography). This article gives an overview of methods of complex biomechanical motion analysis for use in orthopaedic research or for individual patient care. In addition to the use for pure movement analysis, the use of movement analysis methods in the field of biofeedback training is discussed. For the specific acquisition of motion analysis systems, it is recommended to contact professional societies (e.g., the German Society for Biomechanics),universities with existing motion analysis facilities or distributors in the field of biomechanics.

Present Status of Newborn Screening in Bangladesh through the Participation of Health Professionals

This paper suggests a biomechanical analysis of the joint motion of the arm based on the 3-dimensional motion analysis technique in the steering wheel action. The three-dimensional motion trajectory of the arm is obtained using the motion capture system, and the inverse kinematic analysis and inverse dynamics analysis are performed on the musculoskeletal model of the arm using this result. By doing this, the displacement of the arm joint and the magnitude of the joint torque are calculated. The rotational motion of each joint occurs simultaneously and in the joint motion, it can be confirmed that pronation-supination of the elbow joint, adduction-abduction of the shoulder joint, flexion-extension and flexion-extension of the wrist joint are the main movement parameters. Using this biomechanical motion analysis of joint segmental range of motion, it can be extended to analyze the behavior of passengers indoors in the autonomous vehicles.

Biomechanical Measurement Considerations of Joint Segmental Range of Motion using 3-Dimensional Motion Analysis

This paper suggests a biomechanical analysis of the joint motion of the arm based on the 3-dimensional motion analysis technique in the steering wheel action. The three-dimensional motion trajectory of the arm is obtained using the motion capture system, and the inverse kinematic analysis and inverse dynamics analysis are performed on the musculoskeletal model of the arm using this result. By doing this, the displacement of the arm joint and the magnitude of the joint torque are calculated. The rotational motion of each joint occurs simultaneously and in the joint motion, it can be confirmed that pronation-supination of the elbow joint, adduction-abduction of the shoulder joint, flexion-extension and flexion-extension of the wrist joint are the main movement parameters. Using this biomechanical motion analysis of joint segmental range of motion, it can be extended to analyze the behavior of passengers indoors in the autonomous vehicles.

Comparison of OnBaseU Tests with Biomechanical Motion Analysis in Youth Baseball Pitchers.

BackgroundThe OnBaseU screen was developed to evaluate a baseball pitcher’s ability to perform movement patterns key to pitching. However, due to lack of validation, it is unclear what application is ideal for this screen.PurposeTo compare four OnBaseU tests to relevant pitching mechanics measured using 3D motion capture to evaluate if the OnBaseU screen can be used to assess pitching mechanics. The secondary purpose was to compare OnBaseU and 3D motion capture seated trunk rotation test results to determine the validity of the OnBaseU test.MethodsOnBaseU screening and 3D motion capture pitching evaluations were completed for 103 adolescent pitchers (age = 15.2 ± 1.29 years; height = 1.80 ± 0.0866 m; weight = 76.2 ± 13.8 kg). A motion capture seated trunk rotation test was also conducted on 80 of the 103 youth players (age = 15.2 ± 1.32 years; height = 1.80 ± 0.0889 m; weight = 75.7 ± 13.9 kg).ResultsStride length and OnBaseU side step walkout test data were moderately correlated, and all other comparisons were not correlated or were minorly correlated. No significant differences were found between kinematics from players who obtained different OnBaseU scores, except for stride lengths during pitching of players who scored a 1 or 3 on the OnBaseU side step walkout test (p<0.01). Further, OnBaseU and motion capture seated trunk rotation tests were not correlated (r = 0.003) and not found to be statistically associated (p = 0.83).ConclusionResults from this study indicate that the OnBaseU clinical assessment screen may not have use in assessing pitching mechanics and that visual grading criteria used in the OnBaseU seated trunk rotation test may not be accurate.Level of Evidence3

Biomechanical Motion Analysis of Elite Flat Water Kayakers with Special Focus on Footrest

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the importance of footrest use and the symmetry of kayaking motions. Method: Measurements were performed on 11 professional male Hungarian kayakers (n = 11), with a mean age of 24 years (range: 18–30 years), a mean height of 184, 5 cm (range: 172–197 cm), and a mean weight of 84 kg (72–96 kg). Weba sport kayak ergometer, Vicon MXT 3D camera system and surface electromyography were used for the measurements. The unique part of the study was the dynamometer, built into the footrest of the ergometer. The right and left sides differed significantly in terms of range of motion in the joints and activity of the muscles involved. Statistically significant differences were observed in the force applied to the footrest between the right and left sides. There were significant differences between the right and left stroke lengths in most athletes. There was a positive correlation between force applied to the footrest, the stroke length and the kayakers’ power output. Our study identified differences and correlations between the parameters of kayaking motion, highlighting the importance of the footrest. Better and more precise footrest use allows correct technique to be applied with high performance.

Biomechanical Motion Analysis of Cervical and Thoracolumbar Spine During Ambulance Transport: A Healthy Volunteer Study

Background: Recent evidence suggests that long spine board (LSB) may do little to manage spinal motion, and pose increased risk. This project sought to measure cervical and thoracolumbar motion during ambulance transport. The hypothesis was transport on a mattress with the head elevated without the LSB would allow less spinal movement than transport on an LSB. Methods: A randomized healthy volunteer crossover trial measured spinal motion using biometric sensors. Positions analyzed included 0 and 10° on LSB. Stretcher alone with head elevated to 10°, 30°, 45° and 60°, with and without head blocks. Simulated ambulance transport was on city streets at or below posted speed limits. Results: Nine subjects were included, with 66% being male. For cervical movement, there was no difference in axial, flexion/extension, or rotation (0.2 ± 0.1 mm vs. 0.2 ± 0.1 mm, 24 ± 12 mm vs. 22 ± 10 mm, and 5.1 ± 19° vs. 5.8 ± 20°, respectively). There were significant differences in lateral (3.7 ± 7 mm LSB vs. 2.0 ± 5 mm no LSB) movement and volumetric movement of the head (120 ± 172 mm 3 LSB vs. 77 ± 86 mm 3 no LSB). Positions allowing the lowest mean cervical volume of head movement were bed elevated to 30° and 45° with head blocks, (20 ± 22 mm 3 and 12 ± 6 mm 3 , respectively). For thoracolumbar movement, there was no statistical difference in three-dimensional volumetric movement of the thoracolumbar spine (2 ± 0.6 mm 3 LSB vs. 4.7 ± 5 mm 3 no LSB). Conclusion: Spinal motion was small in all groups. The stretcher mattress without LSB allowed less cervical motion than the LSB. Subjects secured to a stretcher mattress with head of the bed elevated to 30° had the least spinal movement. J Neurol Res. 2020;10(3):73-79 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jnr587

Biomechanical Motion Analysis of Cervical and Thoracolumbar Spine During Ambulance Transport: A Healthy Volunteer Study

Background: Recent evidence suggests that long spine board (LSB) may do little to manage spinal motion, and pose increased risk. This project sought to measure cervical and thoracolumbar motion during ambulance transport. The hypothesis was transport on a mattress with the head elevated without the LSB would allow less spinal movement than transport on an LSB. Methods: A randomized healthy volunteer crossover trial measured spinal motion using biometric sensors. Positions analyzed included 0 and 10° on LSB. Stretcher alone with head elevated to 10°, 30°, 45° and 60°, with and without head blocks. Simulated ambulance transport was on city streets at or below posted speed limits. Results: Nine subjects were included, with 66% being male. For cervical movement, there was no difference in axial, flexion/extension, or rotation (0.2 ± 0.1 mm vs. 0.2 ± 0.1 mm, 24 ± 12 mm vs. 22 ± 10 mm, and 5.1 ± 19° vs. 5.8 ± 20°, respectively). There were significant differences in lateral (3.7 ± 7 mm LSB vs. 2.0 ± 5 mm no LSB) movement and volumetric movement of the head (120 ± 172 mm 3 LSB vs. 77 ± 86 mm 3 no LSB). Positions allowing the lowest mean cervical volume of head movement were bed elevated to 30° and 45° with head blocks, (20 ± 22 mm 3 and 12 ± 6 mm 3 , respectively). For thoracolumbar movement, there was no statistical difference in three-dimensional volumetric movement of the thoracolumbar spine (2 ± 0.6 mm 3 LSB vs. 4.7 ± 5 mm 3 no LSB). Conclusion: Spinal motion was small in all groups. The stretcher mattress without LSB allowed less cervical motion than the LSB. Subjects secured to a stretcher mattress with head of the bed elevated to 30° had the least spinal movement. J Neurol Res. 2020;10(3):73-79 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jnr587

The loading characteristics of landing in cats with different body weights

Nowadays, quadrupedal locomotion information is well established for dogs, horses, and pigs, and kinetic systems have been widely used for sensitive and reliable gait analysis. However, few studies have investigated cat locomotion and the data available are confusing and restricted, especially in relation to jumping. In addition, it has been suggested that several factors, including the influence of the body weight (BW), may be associated with the collection of the kinetic data measurements in dogs. This raises the question of whether the BW would influence the kinetic data measurements in cats. Therefore, this study was aimed at comparing the kinetic parameters of the landing during the jumping in cats with different BWs and to determine the associations between the BW and the kinetic parameters. Twelve client-owned cats were sub-divided into two groups based on the BW and were categorised as a thin group and a heavy group. Each cat was encouraged to jump from a table (1.0 m) onto a force plate several times. The trials were considered to be valid if the cat jumped normally onto the plate and then continued to walk forward. The kinetic parameters including the peak vertical force (PVF) and the vertical impulse (VI) were obtained for each limb. In addition, correlations between the PVF, VI, and BW and the symmetry index (SI) of the forelimbs and hindlimbs were also determined. Most of the kinetic parameters of the thin cats were significantly smaller than the heavy cats during the landing and these values increased as the BW increased, while the normalised PVF and VI of the forelimbs were significantly smaller in the heavy cats than in the thin cats. In addition, for both groups, the non-normalised or normalised PVF and VI were significantly larger in the forelimbs than the hindlimbs, and the SI of the PVF was significantly smaller at the forelimbs than in the hindlimbs. In conclusion, the results of this study showed substantial similarities and differences during the landing between thin and heavy cats. These findings should provide more reference data for the biomechanical motion analysis related to jumping in clinically intact cats.

Biomechanical Analysis of the Knee Joint Load During a Unilateral Sit-to-Stand Movement

Background and Objectives: Sit-to-Stand (STS) movements are fundamental activities of daily living. As STS movements can be physically demanding especially for the elderly, bi- and unilateral STS movements are frequently used in motor tests to measure lower limb strength. In contrast to bilateral STS movements, the knee joint loads occurring during unilateral STS movements as well as the influences of chair height or lower limb dominance are still unknown. Methods: In a randomized study approach knee joint loads during unilateral STS movements from three different chair heights have been analyzed using biomechanical motion analysis in a population of 19 healthy middle-aged adults. Additionally, the influence of lower limb dominance and the level of perceived exertion have been investigated. Results: Lower limb dominance had no effect on knee joint load. In contrast, chair height significantly affected the peak shear forces in anterior (high: 3.94 ± 0.63 N/kg; low: 4.09 ± 0.61 N/kg) and lateral (high: 1.52 ± 0.79 N/kg; low: 1.78 ± 0.88 N/kg) direction as well as the peak knee adduction moment (high: 0.56 ± 0.29 Nm/kg; low: 0.65 ± 0.32 Nm/kg). Additionally, chair height but not limb dominance significantly affected the level of perceived exertion (high: 11.1 ± 2.8; low: 12.5 ± 3.5). Conclusion: The detected knee joint loads occurring during a unilateral STS movements are similar to those of other activities of daily living like e.g. stair ascent and thus, unilateral STS movements are applicable for usage in motor tests for middle-aged subjects. While lower limb dominance has no impact on the knee joint load, lower chair heights increase the load on the knee joint. Therefore, chair height should be considered when using unilateral STS movements in motor tests.

Total Disk Replacement Adjacent to a Multilevel Fusion in the Cervical Spine: A Biomechanical Motion Analysis

Cervical total disk replacement (TDR) has emerged as a motion-preserving alternative to anterior cervical diskectomy fusion (ACDF). Biomechanical studies have demonstrated that the TDR preserves motion at the diseased segment and minimizes motion and stress at adjacent segments compared with fusion. There has been growing interest in performing a TDR adjacent to a cervical fusion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the kinematics of a TDR after sequentially fusing adjacent segments. Seven fresh-frozen human cadaveric cervical spine specimens from C1-T1 were used (average age, 56.2 ± 7.3 years). The effect on cervical flexion-extension motion, by instrumenting a TDR above or below a 1-, 2-, or 3-level fusion, was measured. The protocol consisted of taking fluoroscopic images of each cervical specimen obtained at maximal angular displacement in flexion and extension during force application. Cobb angles were measured on digital radiographs to determine flexion-extension range of motion (ROM). Segmental ROM of the C6-7 TDR in the unfused spine was 11.3° ± 1.9°. After performing a 3-level fusion at C3-6, the motion of the C6-7 TDR increased to 12.9° ± 1.3° (P= 0.33). ROM of the C2-3 TDR in the unfused spine was 5.0° ± 1.1°. After performing a 3-level fusion of C3-6, the C2-3 TDR segmental motion was 6.1° ± 1.3° (P=0.09). Biomechanically performing a cervical TDR adjacent to a long-segment fusion did not subject the implant to significantly greater motion than when the TDR was instrumented alone.

Force-controlled biting alters postural control in bipedal and unipedal stance.

Human posture is characterised by inherent body sway which forces the sensory and motor systems to counter the destabilising oscillations. Although the potential of biting to increase postural stability has recently been reported, the mechanisms by which the craniomandibular system (CMS) and the motor systems for human postural control are functionally coupled are not yet fully understood. The purpose of our study was, therefore, to investigate the effect of submaximum biting on postural stability and on the kinematics of the trunk and head. Twelve healthy young adults performed force-controlled biting (FB) and non-biting (NB) during bipedal narrow stance and single-leg stance. Postural stability was quantified on the basis of centre of pressure (COP) displacements, detected by use of a force platform. Trunk and head kinematics were investigated by biomechanical motion analysis, and bite forces were measured using a hydrostatic system. The results revealed that FB significantly improved postural control in terms of reduced COP displacements, providing additional evidence for the functional coupling of the CMS and human posture. Our study also showed, for the first time, that reductions in the sway of the COP were accompanied by reduced trunk and head oscillations, which might be attributable to enhanced trunk stiffness during FB. This physiological response to isometric activation of the masticatory muscles raises questions about the potential of oral motor activity as a strategy to reduce the risk of falls among the elderly or among patients with compromised postural control.

Treatment and ergonomics training of work‐related lower back pain and body posture problems for nurses

The purpose of the study was to measure the effectiveness of a spine training programme (Back School) in nurses who have been living with chronic low back pain. It was hypothesised that active therapy, ergonomics and education called Back School will significantly decrease the pain intensity levels and improve the body posture of the study participants. A chronic low back pain is a significant work-related health problem among healthcare workers around the world. Proper body posture is essential for decreasing pain in healthcare workers who have history of chronic low back pain. By teaching proper body posture and with the creation of occupational settings that are 'spine-friendly' hospitals and other healthcare settings can significantly lower the suffering of their nursing staff. Single-blinded randomised controlled trial was utilised with six- and 12-months follow-up. The study was carried out at the University of Pecs, Faculty of Health Sciences from 2007 to 2008 involving 124 nurses with low back pain. Participants were randomly assigned to the study group (who have received ergonomics training and education called Back School) with an intervention conducted once a week for a six-week period. The control group received passive physiotherapy once a week for a six-week period. Further follow-up measurements were conducted at six and 12 months, respectively. The study variables and outcome measures were pain intensity and body posture (angle of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis). The pain intensity was investigated with the Visual Analogue Scale. Body posture was recorded and analysed with the Zebris biomechanical motion analysis system. The statistical analysis of repeated measures indicated a significant decrease in back pain intensity after the therapy in both groups, compared with measurements before the therapy; however, the BS group showed significantly better results during the six-month and one-year follow-up period. The biomechanical analysis of postures after the therapy in the BS group showed significant improvements over the control group; during the follow-up, the difference was still significant, yet slightly reduced. This study has shown that a significant reduction in the pain intensity and improvement in body posture can be achieved by the usage of the active physical therapy methods (Back School) in nurses who are experiencing chronic lower back pain. The Back School programme when compared with the passive physical therapies (such as massage, ultrasound treatment, etc.) shows significant improvement in reduction in pain and greatly improves the posture of healthcare workers. The adoption of the Back School programme for the treatment of the healthcare workers with chronic low back problems should be a treatment of choice and standard that should be adopted when designing occupational healthcare policies and procedures.

The relationship of the selected kinematic variables with the performance of low dribble in basketball at execution phase

Biomechanical motion analysis will directly lead to improved performance and injury prevention. We report the relationship between selected biomechanical variables with the performance of low dribble. The study was delimited to male basketball players who participated in North Zone Inter University Basketball Championship 2010-11 held at CSJMU Kanpur, India. The study was further delimited to the 20 subject belonging to the age group 18 to 28 years. The data was collected by the help of Siliconcoach pro 7 motion analysis system. The Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient, Multiple Correlation and regression equation method was used to measure the relationship between selected biomechanical variables with the performance of low dribble. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Our study concludes that the angle of Hip joint and Elbow joint significantly influences the performance of low dribble.

Biomechanical Motion Analysis in the Clinical Environment: The Dawn of a New Era?

Philip Rowe looks at biomechanical motion analysis and the work the department of Biomedical engineering at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK (formerly the Bioengineering Unit), has played a key role in these developments over the last 50 years.

Kinetic features of sliding walk in Nogaku

Objectives: To investigate the kinetic features of sliding walk in Nogaku. Design: Biomechanical motion analysis study. Methods: Three male Nogaku actors participated in the experiment. Each actor performed the sliding walk on an 8-m walking track three times. To obtain the kinematics and kinetics, a three-dimensional optical motion capture system and two force platforms were used. The angles, moments, powers and work of each of the three lower extremity joints (i.e.,hip, knee, and ankle joints) in the sagittal plane were calculated using an inverse dynamics method. Results: The kinematic and kinetic results were successfully obtained. In the results for the vertical ground reaction force,one cycle could be clearly divided into two phases (stance and foot-sliding phases). The push force during the foot sliding phase reached 53 N on average. The energy dissipation by the push force (friction energy dissipation) reached 14 J, which was comparable to the hip joint work (19.7 J). Conclusion: The following three findings were revealed: (1) The push force during the foot-sliding phase was large (average 53 N). (2) The role of the hip joint was to propel the actor's body forward. The role of the knee and ankle joints was to keep the center of gravity of the actor's body low. (3) The differences in kinetic results among the actors were larger than the differences in kinematic results.

A computationally efficient optimisation-based method for parameter identification of kinematically determinate and over-determinate biomechanical systems

This paper introduces a general optimisation-based method for identification of biomechanically relevant parameters in kinematically determinate and over-determinate systems from a given motion. The method is designed to find a set of parameters that is constant over the time frame of interest as well as the time-varying system coordinates, and it is particularly relevant for biomechanical motion analysis where the system parameters can be difficult to accurately determine by direct measurements. Although the parameter identification problem results in a large-scale optimisation problem, we show that, due to a special structure in the linearised Karush–Kuhn–Tucker optimality conditions, the solution can be found very efficiently. The method is applied to a set of test problems relevant for gait analysis. These involve determining the local coordinates of markers placed on the model, segment lengths and joint axes of rotation from both gait and range of motion experiments.

A Study of Control Mechanism for of Standing-up Achieving a Motion Task; Biomechanical Motion Analysis of Standing-up

A Study of Control Mechanism for of Standing-up Achieving a Motion Task; Biomechanical Motion Analysis of Standing-up

Intra-articular hyaluronic acid in the treatment of haemophilic arthropathy of the knee. Clinical, radiological and sonographical assessment.

Hyaluronic acid has been used successfully in the treatment of osteoarthritis since 1989. There is no experience in haemophiliacs in larger study groups. In a prospective study, 20 patients (21 knees) with haemophilic arthropathy of the knee received 20 mg hyaluronic acid by intra-articular injection for 5 consecutive weeks. Assessment included clinical scores, X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biomechanical motion analysis before and 3 months after the first injection. The score of the WFH advisory committee and the Aichroth score for special evaluation of the knee were used. After an average period of 26 months, the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) score, the Aichroth score and the visual analogue scale were evaluated again. All patients had pain caused by their arthropathy, nine of them had positive antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus, and 15 had chronic hepatitis C. The mean WFH score was 8.1 points, the Petterson score was 7.3 points and the Aichroth score was 38 points (maximum 55 points). The WFH score decreased to 7.3 points, the Aichroth score improved to 40 points and the subjective assessment measured with a visual analogue scale improved from 5.3 to 3.7 points. No differences from MRI controls were detected. After 3 months, 14 of 20 patients improved subjectively, particularly in longer walking distance, stair-climbing or initial pain. These positive aspects were limited by arthropathy in adjacent joints. After 26 months 10 patients still are benefiting for up to 31 months follow-up. The average WFH score was 7.3 points, the Aichroth score 39 points, the visual analogue scale 4.0 points. We recommend hyaluronic acid for haemophilic arthropathy of the knee when regular conservative therapy has failed and operative treatment is not feasible.

The application of biomechanical motion analysis to aspects of green monkey (Cercopithecus a. sabaeus) locomotion.

A cinematographic method of biomechanical motion analysis is presented which permits the determination of body segment forces and joint moments of force, and thereby dominant muscle action. An analysis of the horizontal leap of Cercopithecus is used as an example of the utility of this approach in the area of functional morphology. Kinematic and kinetic data are presented and discussed in terms of the biomechanical requirements of this form of locomotion. The importance of a consideration of inertial as well as gravitational forces in an analysis of positional behavior involving body motion is stressed.